As a politician, he was described as "enlightened and shrewd" and it was reported that he rivaled Paul Kruger in his influence over his countrymen.[2]

After the Battle of Spion Kop, due to illness, he withdrew from the fighting and pursued his political career once more. He was elected to the Volksraad (House of Assembly) in 1887, later serving as Chairman.

In March 1900, following the death of Piet Joubert, he was elected Vice President under President Paul Kruger. In September 1900 he succeeded Kruger as State President, after Kruger had left for Europe.[3]